Podcast: Roundtable Talk

QUOTES

“This industry, the age-related technology industry, is filled with people who have struggled to care for their own parents. All of those people have a story.” (Laurie)

“Why are we still thinking about fall detection when we could actually do fall prevention?” (Laurie)

“The customer barely thinks about the problem they have right now. It’s up to the resellers and the tech companies to seek others.” (Laurie)

“Strength training is extremely important as you age. The ability to get out of a chair without holding the arms of a chair—that’s what keeps you from falling down.” (Laurie)

“AI can help people be proactive.” (Laurie)

“People want to connect to their family members, and it’s not going to work if you have the kind of cell phone that doesn’t have a screen.” (Laurie)

“Nobody wants to be in that situation again. Devices and technology training should become part of the aging experience.” (Laurie)

“The value exceeds the fear. It’s time for people to make a trade-off and seize the day.” (Laurie)

“Appreciate older people when you’re young.” (Laurie)

NOTES

Laurie Orlov is a leading authority on aging and technology, with over 15 years of experience. She founded Aging and Health Technology Watch to analyze the intersection of innovation and senior care, inspired by personal caregiving challenges with her mother and mother-in-law.

Aging and Health Technology Watch provides strategic insights into the tech market focused on aging. Offering advice, reports, and thought leadership, it helps companies develop solutions that enhance the independence and safety of older adults, advocating for integrated technology suites.

Laurie’s company arose from a gap she identified in the market during 2008-2009. The company now advises tech firms and investors, emphasizing forward-thinking solutions over crisis-driven technologies. Laurie also critiques the slow market adoption of integrated platforms for older adults’ needs.

Laurie described the path to her current role, motivated by personal experience in caregiving and a lack of existing resources.

She observed that many in the age-related technology space are driven by personal caregiving struggles.

Laurie encourages tech integration, emphasizing suites rather than standalone products for comprehensive elder care solutions.

She advocates for the inclusion of older adults in tech design processes to ensure products meet user needs effectively.

Laurie argued against age-specific technologies, instead promoting adaptable, universally designed tech solutions.

She highlighted the pandemic as a catalyst for increased tech adoption among older adults, urging further progress.

Laurie’s discussions highlighted AI’s potential in transforming proactive senior care and operational efficiencies.

Emphasizing the importance of training and awareness, Laurie advocates for overcoming barriers to tech adoption among seniors.

QUOTES

“Aging is prejudice against our future selves.” (Bob)

“At age 75, it’s too late for me to change society’s attitudes that are going to affect my aging well. It’s not too late for you.” (Bob)

“We really now have a new stage of life which increased longevity has made possible.” (Bob)

“The largest untapped workforce in America are older adults 55 to 80.” (Bob)

“The age group with the highest incidence reported of loneliness are young people 18 to 29, far greater than those over 75.” (Bob)

“Will (our efforts) eliminate ageism? No, it won’t. But will it change some attitudes? Yes.” (Bob)

“We have to think in a longevity economy, how do we turn increased longevity into a bonus for the individuals and for our society at large?” (Bob)

“Necessity and opportunity both give me hope.” (Bob)

NOTES

Bob Kramer is a nationally recognized expert in aging and senior living, co-founder of the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC), and founder of Nexus Insights. He is renowned for his innovative approaches to transforming the perception and care of aging populations.

Nexus Insights is a think tank dedicated to advancing bold ideas and disruptive models that support aging well. The organization focuses on integrating diverse perspectives to address the challenges and opportunities associated with increased longevity and aging services.

Bob Kramer has been a pivotal figure in reshaping the senior housing landscape, advocating for a shift from an ageist narrative to one that sees aging as a period of contribution and value. His work has greatly influenced investment in senior housing and care, and he remains a key thought leader in the field through his continued advocacy for innovative, person-centered aging services.

Bob emphasizes the need to challenge the negative and fearful perceptions of aging, highlighting that ageism is essentially prejudice against our future selves.

He encourages young people to shift their views on aging by illustrating that statistically, many will live to be 100, making it crucial to combat ageist stereotypes early.

Bob discusses the untapped potential of older adults as a vital workforce segment, especially in addressing challenges like healthcare where their involvement could be transformative.

He notes that loneliness is more prevalent among younger age groups and suggests intergenerational programs as an effective solution to this issue.

Bob critiques terms like “silver tsunami” for their negative implications, arguing instead for a perspective that sees increased longevity as a societal bonus rather than a curse.

Technology and data are seen as crucial for future aging services, enabling more efficient and preventative healthcare where actionable data drives better quality of life.

He stresses the importance of redefining senior living environments to focus on life engagement and growth rather than decline and dependency.

Nexus Insights was founded to foster innovation in aging services, bringing together diverse viewpoints to drive effective and compassionate transformations in how society approaches longevity and elder care.

QUOTES

“The village model was created to serve that missing middle, the middle class.” (Barbara)

“Most of the villages are volunteer first, so it incorporates neighbor helping neighbor.” (Barbara)

“Villages connect the dots. They start in a community. It’s very organically grown from the community.” (Barbara)

“At the end of the day, we all want purpose.” (Barbara)

“People are living in their own homes. More importantly, people are living in their community.” (Barbara)

“We are not silos anymore. We cannot just be in this community and not serve everyone.” (Barbara)

“Money should not be an option. We want to make sure we reach all the underserved and underreached populations within a community.” (Barbara)

NOTES

Barbara Sullivan is the National Director of the Village to Village Network and a longtime advocate for aging in place. With a background in nonprofit leadership, long-term care administration, and gerontology, she has been involved in the village movement since 2007.

The Village to Village Network supports the creation and sustainability of grassroots, volunteer-driven communities—or “villages”—that empower older adults to remain in their homes while staying engaged, connected and supported by neighbors.

Barbara first became involved in the village movement after assisted living residents in Northern Virginia asked her to help start one. 

Her early career influence came from her father, a Congressman and elder law attorney, which helped shape her understanding of aging policy.  

The village model serves the “missing middle”—those who are too wealthy to qualify for public assistance but not wealthy enough for private senior living options.

Villages rely heavily on volunteers and grassroots support to help older adults stay independent, engaged and connected.

A major strength of the model is its flexibility—villages can range from 14 square blocks to 14 square miles and adapt to their communities’ needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of villages in combating social isolation and ensuring continuity of care.

Programs like GoGo Grandparent and partnerships with organizations like Goodwin Living help expand access to transportation and cognitive wellness.

Most villages charge modest or no dues and offer scholarships or “pay what you can” memberships to remain inclusive.

Villages build strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, faith communities, and public agencies to extend their reach and impact.

Barbara hopes to see 500 more villages created in the next 10 years and emphasizes the importance of community-based solutions in meeting the demands of an aging population.

QUOTES

“Inclusion is a feeling. If you ask someone, ‘Do you feel included?’ there usually isn’t a set of metrics, it comes from a feeling that can be nurtured and fostered.” (Marvell)

“Diversity really is a choice. Unless those decisions are made courageously, diversity may not show up.” (Marvell)

“You can Google a lot of things. You can ChatGPT a lot of things. But this is purposely a space for people to be posed with questions that allow them to look inwardly.” (Marvell)

“If staff can’t feel safe coming into the organization in a whole host of ways, then we really have lost the battle already for retaining the best talent.” (Marvell)

“You can’t pour anything from an empty cup. If there’s nothing to pour out, there’s nothing to give.” (Marvell)

“Each time a caregiver engages with a loved one, they’re giving of themselves. We also recognize you can’t give from an empty cup.” (Marvell)

“Longevity is inextricably tied to inclusion. The longer we live, the more influence there will be on our paths—and that is tied to the diversity of experience.” (Marvell)

“Inclusion is about planning the welcome party. You’ve got to know who’s coming and make sure they feel like they belong once they arrive.” (Marvell)

“If 90% of your age- and income-qualified prospects are staying home and you aren’t considering some sort of at-home offshoot of your community, you’re missing an opportunity.” (Marvell)

“Leadership succession is not just about finding the next CEO, it’s about preparing your organization for the day you’re not there.” (Marvell)

“If the board asks, ‘What’s the succession plan?’ and all you have is a name on a paper for FMLA, then you don’t have a real plan.” (Marvell)

“Recognizing your strengths are throughout your organization and tapping into them—that’s how you grow your team and your impact.” (Marvell)

 

NOTES

Marvell Adams, Jr. is a nationally respected leader in aging services with over 20 years of experience ranging from nursing home administrator to CEO. He’s known for advancing equity and inclusion across senior living and long-term care sectors through visionary leadership and collaborative action.

Marvell is the founder of W. Lawson, a consulting firm focused on creating inclusive, equitable environments in aging services. He also serves as CEO of Caregiver Action Network, a national nonprofit providing free resources to family caregivers across the U.S.

At W. Lawson, Marvell co-leads the Longevity and Inclusion Alliance Fellows Program, a virtual leadership initiative designed to help aging services professionals embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) into their communities. The program is intentionally immersive, centering self-reflection, safe dialogue, and peer-to-peer learning. Under Marvell’s leadership, 

Caregiver Action Network supports more than 105 million unpaid family caregivers through resources, advocacy, and partnerships—especially as caregiving needs accelerate across generations and cultures.

Inclusion is more than a metric, it’s a feeling. Creating inclusive communities starts by fostering spaces where people can bring their whole selves.

Diversity is a conscious decision. Leaders must make bold, intentional choices to hire, serve, and represent diverse voices.

Many older adults are rejecting traditional senior living; providers must adapt by integrating at-home and intergenerational models of engagement.

Leadership succession should begin before retirement is near. “Preparing the organization for when you’re not there” is key to long-term resilience.

Most caregivers don’t plan to become caregivers—they’re thrust into it. Support must be immediate, empathetic, and culturally competent.

“You can’t pour anything from an empty cup.” Caregivers must prioritize their own well-being to sustainably care for others.

Caregiver Action Network is innovating through partnerships like its new Innovation Council, connecting startups and tech solutions to real caregiver needs.

Inclusion in action means planning a true welcome—tailored support, cultural sensitivity, and community integration—not just marketing promises.

QUOTES

“Frailty is a clinical syndrome that requires diagnosis and warrants both prevention and treatment.” (Dr. Fried)

“It’s important to teach kids the habit of being physically active because once you learn that as a child, it’s with you for life.” (Dr. Fried)

“We’ve created the long lives part, but we have not created the ‘with health’ part for most people.” (Dr. Fried)

“Older people want to make a difference, want to leave a legacy of goodness, but there are not roles at scale for that.” (Dr. Fried)

“Public health delivers 70% of a population’s health, medical care 20%. You can’t have health unless you have both sides of that health coin.” (Dr. Fried)

“Loneliness has been described as analogous to hunger — your body telling you that you need meaningful social connection.” (Dr. Fried)

“One of the strongest risk factors for heart disease, lung disease and dementia is air pollution — the fourth leading cause of death in the world.” (Dr. Fried)

“We block our opportunity to collectively thrive through the narrative that old people are only dependent and sick.” (Dr. Fried)

“The challenge is not that we don’t know what to do — it’s that we haven’t built the systems to deliver it to every community.” (Dr. Fried)

“If we invest in preventing chronic diseases at every age and stage of life, the return on investment is immense.” (Dr. Fried)

“Each generation needs the other generation in their life.” (Dr. Fried)

NOTES

Dr. Linda Fried is a globally recognized public health leader, geriatrician and Dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. She is a pioneer in the science of healthy aging and frailty, with decades of groundbreaking research and advocacy work.

The Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University is one of the world’s leading public health institutions. Under Dr. Fried’s leadership, the school has emphasized healthy longevity, public health innovation, and the importance of building equitable health systems for all ages.

Dr. Fried chaired the Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity, a major initiative from the U.S. National Academy of Medicine. She also developed Experience Corps, a program that empowers older adults to help children succeed in public schools, while promoting health and purpose in later life. Her work continues to shape how we design systems, communities and policies for a longer, healthier life course.

Frailty is a diagnosable medical syndrome that can be prevented or reversed, especially through physical activity and social engagement.

A meaningful definition of frailty helped unlock better care strategies, interventions and clinical awareness.

Public health delivers the majority of population-level health outcomes—and must be redesigned to meet the realities of longer lives.

Intergenerational connection benefits both older and younger people and helps address rising loneliness across age groups.

Aging in place requires supportive infrastructure: mobility services, home modifications, in-home clinical visits and strong internet access.

A third stage of life—marked by contribution, purpose and health—is possible, but requires roles that value older adults’ skills and wisdom.

The myth that investing in older adults comes at the expense of younger people is harmful and false; collective thriving is achievable.

Longevity should be seen as an opportunity for all of society to benefit—not as a burden.

QUOTES

“So much of this work is nonlinear. You start out with a plan and then if you’re keeping your eyes open, the road starts to curve pretty fast.” (Dr. Kamber)

“We’re really about using technology to change the way we age because the longevity revolution in America is this slow-moving demographic shift, but it’s changing everything.” (Dr. Kamber)

“We’ve got 700 sites where people are teaching our programs around the country. It’s really become a labor of love.” (Dr. Kamber)

“Outreach is so important to really recruiting people. Even giving away a world-class program for free, you have to get out there and ask people to come.” (Dr. Kamber)

“People are full of this intense potential. And we forget that there’s no change in that as we get older.” (Dr. Kamber)

“Technology is such a tiny piece of it, but it is a little bit like taking the cork out of the bottle sometimes.” (Dr. Kamber)

“The biggest myth is that people can’t learn… that somehow there’s something wrong when in fact, it’s just that your kid is acting like a jerk.” (Dr. Kamber)

“We paid extra to have nice millwork made with teak on the walls. It’s like a social club for cool people. It just happens to be free.” (Dr. Kamber)

“Great design is an antidote to ageism.” (Dr. Kamber)

“The healthy aging part of this is the socialization of their physical activity… It’s really unleashed an opportunity for people to think about their health in a social context.” (Dr. Kamber)

“If you’re patient and you’re persistent and you’re a person with integrity… you’re gonna end up in a good place.” (Dr. Kamber)

NOTES

Dr. Tom Kamber is a national leader in aging and technology, and the founder of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet. He’s a lifelong social activist dedicated to empowering older adults through digital literacy and inclusion.

OATS, a nonprofit affiliate of AARP, provides technology education and support to older adults through its Senior Planet programs. With a presence in 700 locations across 35 states, OATS combines tech training, wellness, and social connection to help people thrive in the digital age.

OATS began after a woman asked Tom for internet help post-9/11; that simple moment sparked a national movement.

Senior Planet offers programs focused on five impact areas: financial security, social engagement, health and wellness, creative expression, and civic participation.

The most popular offering? Fitness classes like “Morning Stretch,” which regularly attracts 500–600 participants.

OATS doesn’t charge for classes to remove financial barriers and ensure inclusivity.

Their model includes licensing curriculum to local organizations for broader reach and sustainability.

The biggest myth about older adults and tech is that they can’t learn. It’s more about opportunity than ability.

Social connection is often the top reason people join Senior Planet, with digital tools helping them stay in touch.

OATS’s design philosophy includes building beautiful, functional spaces that reflect the dignity and potential of older adults.

AI and smart home tech are reshaping how older adults live and age, but safety, access, and education are key challenges.

 

QUOTES

“I realized that I really enjoyed taking care of older people for a series of reasons. One was you couldn’t really take care of the part without thinking about the whole.” (Dr. Aronson)

“I came up with this notion of elderhood as a sort of equivalence to childhood and adulthood. And I thought that was a reframe that might be helpful for us both as individuals and as a society.” (Dr. Aronson)

“It’s insulting. And when you see this in scientific studies, it absolutely lacks rigor, any evidence of truthfulness, and yet people do it all the time.” (Dr. Aronson)

“We harm our future selves because we create a self-creating, self-perpetuating fear.” (Dr. Aronson)

“It’s the only stage of life where people apologize all the time for existing, for not being able to do things.” (Dr. Aronson)

“Traits we all should have, but not all of us are lucky enough to get it. A sense of humor helps. So really basic things, because it’s very interesting.” (Dr. Aronson)

“There is just a baked-in bias that the people who need the services most are least important.” (Dr. Aronson)

“They blame old age for what was a failure to incorporate aging pharmacology and physiology into their treatment plan.” (Dr. Aronson)

“Training for all health professionals would be proportional to the amount of time they will be spending caring for that population.” (Dr. Aronson)

“Our system doesn’t give us what we want and needs to be totally restructured to prioritize health.” (Dr. Aronson)

NOTES

Dr. Louise Aronson is a geriatrician, educator, and bestselling author of Elderhood. A leading voice in redefining how we view aging, she brings decades of medical practice, personal insight, and cultural critique to her advocacy for older adults.

 Dr. Aronson is a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she also directs the campus-wide Health Humanities Initiative. Her work integrates clinical care, education, and the humanities to advance eldercare.

Her book Elderhood reframes aging as a vital, complex life stage deserving the same recognition and nuance we give childhood and adulthood. She’s a thought leader on ageism in medicine and society, and frequently collaborates on innovations in intergenerational programs, healthcare reform, and policy.

Most people don’t plan to work with older adults—but it’s meaningful, intellectually rich, and deeply needed work.

The term “elderhood” positions aging as a legitimate, diverse, and multi-decade stage of life, much like childhood or adulthood.

Society often equates aging with decline, but many older adults thrive by adapting, staying engaged, and embracing their phase of life.

There’s a dangerous tendency to treat everyone over 65 as a monolith, despite the vast range of capabilities and needs.

Health care training devotes years to children and adults, but often just hours to older adults—despite them being the largest group needing care.

Ageism in medicine shows up in subtle and overt ways—from dismissive language to inappropriate treatments based solely on age.

Culture needs to stop writing off older adults; their stories, capabilities, and lives matter and should be reflected in how we design systems and spaces.

Dr. Aronson sees hope in younger generations and entrepreneurs bringing compassion and innovation into the “elder space,” as well as boomers advocating for their own aging experience.

QUOTES

“The one thing 80-year-olds and 20-year-olds have in common is none of them have cars.” (Andrew)

“They do not want to live on what I call an elderly island. It doesn’t matter how nice it is.” (Andrew)

“Done right, it’s what I call a very rare triple win scenario. You don’t see this in business strategy where there are three parties and all of them can win.” (Andrew)

“We need to stop building what we want to build. We need to start building what our retirees actually want.” (Andrew)

“If one out of every 10 residents is wearing the sweatshirt and screaming at the TV in the pub on Saturdays, that’s going to bring the culture.” (Andrew)

“You can’t find a bigger odd couple than universities and senior living providers. They speak two completely different languages.” (Andrew)

“This is not something that just sounds like fun. It’s hard work, and you need to do your homework.” (Andrew)

“Look, we just want more than ‘it’s not a nursing home.’ That was actually fine when really the only other choice was a nursing home. And we had millions of seniors who lived in a nursing home who did not need to be there… but we need to take that next step now.” (Andrew) 

“This whole website is actually my retirement hobby. I started it the first day of my retirement.” (Andrew)

“If you’re not happy with the status quo, go to work for somebody who also isn’t happy with the status quo.” (Andrew)

“If you take them off an elderly island and put them in an intergenerational environment like a college campus, they’re going to be better.”

NOTES

Andrew Carle is a nationally recognized expert in senior living innovation and the founder of UniversityRetirementCommunities.com. He also developed the first academic concentration in senior living administration at George Mason University and now teaches at Georgetown University.

UniversityRetirementCommunities.com is the go-to resource for information on communities that blend lifelong learning with senior living. The site features nearly 90 communities nationwide and serves as a hub for universities, providers, and older adults exploring this innovative model.

Andrew has over three decades of experience as a senior living executive, educator, and consultant. He’s helped shape the university retirement community model, creating a five-point framework that many of today’s most successful communities follow. His retirement “hobby” is helping others launch URCs the right way—by fostering strategic partnerships and prioritizing campus integration.

The best university retirement communities (URCs) combine proximity to campus, structured intergenerational programming, full continuum of care, shared financial interest, and a strong alumni or cultural connection.

Proximity to campus is crucial to keep residents integrated into university life. Said Andrew, “The one thing 80-year-olds and 20-year-olds have in common is none of them have cars.” 

Organic beginnings often inspired URCs, but today they benefit from structured planning and dedicated leadership—like a “dean of residence” to manage university relationships.

“They want active, intellectually stimulating, and intergenerational retirement environments. I just described a college campus.” Boomers are seeking more than traditional senior living options.

Andrew believes URCs might not just promote better aging—they might actually reverse elements of aging by tapping into what he calls the “counterclockwise bump.”

“We invented 32 flavors of ice cream. We’re not going to settle for vanilla,” said Andrew. The industry must cater to diverse interests and identities within the boomer generation.

URCs are thriving because they’re giving retirees exactly what they want. “Howard Schultz said, you know what? People will pay $4 for a cup of coffee,” said Andrew. “You just have to stop making crappy coffee and give people what they want.” 

Successful URCs require university buy-in, but many institutions underestimate the complexity. Andrew stresses: “Educate the educators.”

 

QUOTES

“Senior living pretty much was a watered-down version of a hospital. Nobody had a choice as to when they got up or what they ate. The biggest change has been around person-directed care.” (Larry)

“When I arrived at UMC, we didn’t even own a server. We really did start from the ground up.” (Larry)

“Once the staff really got a taste of how it could impact their quality of life as caregivers, it became self-fulfilling. They became owners and advocates.” (Larry)

“AI is really the wave of the future. If we don’t jump on board at the beginning, we’re going to get left at the curb.” (Larry)

“It’s just not normal to live with 25 other strangers in a locked ward. That’s what pushed us to create something different with Avandell.” (Larry)

“Most places are treating the symptoms of dementia, not the distress that’s causing the symptoms.” (Larry)

“Pain is the number one thing that is underdiagnosed in people who have dementia. Sometimes a Tylenol once a day can change everything.” (Larry)

“Our mantra at UMC was always: Know thy resident.” (Larry)

“We want to live the life we love, or love the life we live. That goes for residents and their families.” (Larry)

“Dealing with dementia is not a hopeless situation. There can be joy in it.” (Larry)

“Don’t be so afraid. Keep moving ahead. Try things. Fail quickly. Move on.” (Larry)

NOTES

Larry Carlson is the retired president and CEO of United Methodist Communities, bringing more than 45 years of leadership and innovation to the senior living industry. During his tenure, he championed tech integration, person-directed care, and a more humane approach to dementia support.

United Methodist Communities (UMC) is a New Jersey-based senior living organization offering independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. UMC is known for its values-based approach and commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults through innovation and compassionate care.

Under Larry’s leadership, UMC built a tech infrastructure from scratch, implemented AI tools in operations and HR, and reimagined memory care through Avandell, a dementia village inspired by the Dutch Hogeweyk model. His book, Avandell: Reimagining the Dementia Experience, reflects his commitment to transforming the narrative around aging and dementia care.

The industry has shifted from institutional care to person-directed care, with more choice, autonomy, and respect for individual preferences.

Technology transformed UMC from the ground up, enabling faster, smarter processes across departments—from admissions to HR onboarding.

AI was a game-changer, reducing administrative tasks and freeing up staff to focus on what matters most: resident experience.

Carlson advocated for failing fast and learning quickly, pushing senior living to be more innovative and less risk-averse.

The creation of Avandell was a response to institutional dementia care models, aiming to normalize life for residents through smaller households and daily autonomy.

Treating the source of distress, not just symptoms, became central to UMC’s dementia care philosophy.

Indoor air quality is a critical but often overlooked element of resident wellness, especially in light of the pandemic.

Virtual family meetings during COVID revealed new ways to strengthen communication, with higher participation and improved transparency.

QUOTES

“You’re only as young as your spine is flexible.” (Terry)

“When you start to avoid activities, your body kind of goes along with it and stops working in a youthful way.” (Terry)

“I’m on the tracks, off the tracks, and I think that’s real for most people.” (Terry)

“I have to remember that I’m not as young on the outside as I feel on the inside.” (Terry)

“I’d much rather age naturally. And yeah, it’s no fun, but I’m not alone in it.” (Terry)

“Enjoy each phase you’re in because movies and television are telling us stories about life, and it requires all age groups to tell these stories.” (Terry)

“We all have value. And that’s what you need to focus on—your own value.” (Terry)

“I’m enough. I’m whole just the way I am. I can stop being a chameleon.” (Terry)

NOTES

Terry Farrell is an actress best known for her role as Jadzia Dax on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and as Reggie on Becker. A former model turned sci-fi icon, Terry is also an advocate for self-acceptance, aging authentically, and embracing life’s many chapters.

After stepping away from acting to be a full-time mom, Terry is re-entering the entertainment world with a renewed sense of purpose and personal authenticity. She lives in New Mexico and hopes to pursue meaningful roles that reflect who she is today—whether in television, film, or even on stage.

Terry credits yoga and movement as essential for both mental and physical wellness as we age.

Terry embraces aging naturally, resisting industry pressure to look younger through surgery or cosmetic alterations.

After a long break to raise her son, Terry is re-entering the entertainment industry with new priorities, looking for roles that reflect her true age and life stage.

Terry believes culture is evolving and there are more opportunities now for actors of all ages, thanks in part to movements like #MeToo and greater diversity in storytelling.

Terry reflects on her modeling and early acting days, acknowledging the harmful body image pressures she endured and how she’s worked to let those go.

She finds encouragement seeing actresses her age on screen and admires projects that show women aging authentically, like Capote vs. The Swans.

Sci-fi storytelling, particularly Star Trek, helped Terry explore and embody themes of longevity, identity, and empathy, both on and off screen.